Comments on this story

Bob Alford of Thailand Posted at 2:44 PM August 31, 2014

My wife and I cared for our granddaughter full time for 11 years and it was a most enjoyable experience being able to watch her grow and develop, taking her on trips, and involving ourselves fully in her upbringing.
But, in these times and the continued rise in living expenses it becomes increasingly difficult to provide the continued care the kids deserve - in many cases these grand parents are existing (sometimes barely existing) on a pension, whilst at the same time saving the government a huge amount of money.
So, why would the government be interested in the plight of these unpaid carers when they can spend the money they save on really important things like study trips, ad hoc projects dreamed up by the superannuated dole bludgers - err, bureaucrats - in Canberra, the dole bludgers on the streets and any number of other priorities?
And if these unpaid carers are in such circumstances what are the parents of these children doing towards the upbringing their children and their own parents? If it's like Asia at the moment, very little it seems, as they're too busy trying to provide for themselves.
Grandparents are very important in the development of their grandchildren and of the family itself. Surely they deserve some consideration from this government rather than have politicians laughing behind their backs and enjoying the savings.

olcoja Posted at 7:53 PM August 30, 2014

My kid chose to become a parent. He has a boy and a girl and both he and his wife work. They made the decision to have a family so they can organise - and pay for - their own childcare costs. My wife and I are retired and will not be entering into any form of unpaid employment looking after kids that are not our own. Let the younger generation fend for themselves for a change - it'll teach them to be responsible.